Antibiotic sensitivity of cholera vibrions in biofilms formed on various substrates

Abstract

Introduction. Evaluation of antibiotic sensitivity of biofilms formed by Vibrio cholerae can help in the search for effective drugs to combat cholera. The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs against V. cholerae cells being a part of a polymicrobial biofilm formed on various substrates. Materials and methods. Mono- and polymicrobial biofilms were simulated in vitro on chitin and plastic in flasks containing tap autoclaved water contaminated with a suspension of 104 microbial cells of three strains of V. cholerae O1 El Tor separately or in combination with Escherichia coli QD 5003. Results. When being a part of mono- or polymicrobial bacterial communities formed by the studied strains on chitin or plastic, the V. cholerae and E. coli cells were less susceptible to the action of antibacterial drugs. Conclusion. The increased antibiotic resistance of V. cholerae biofilms formed on biotic and abiotic surfaces highlights the danger of their spread and preservation in the environment, creates additional problems regarding the use of antibiotics and requires the development of alternative strategies to reduce resistance.

Keywords

• antibiotic resistance
• biofilm
• v. cholerae